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89.69% Soccer: I became Bruno Fernandes. / Chapter 209: Chapter 209: Confidence

Capítulo 209: Chapter 209: Confidence

Chapter 209: Confidence

Despite Udinese and Juventus both slowing their pace in the league to conserve energy for the upcoming Champions League knockout stages, their lead in the Serie A standings remained significant. After 30 rounds, Udinese held the top spot with 25 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses, accumulating 77 points. Juventus followed in second place with 20 wins, 7 draws, and 3 losses, totaling 67 points. Lazio climbed to third with 17 wins, 4 draws, and 9 losses, earning 55 points. Roma, struggling recently, dropped to fourth with 14 wins, 12 draws, and 4 losses, collecting 54 points.

For Juventus, winning a fourth consecutive Serie A title seemed unlikely, but they had almost secured second place, which guaranteed direct entry into the next season's Champions League group stage. The third Champions League spot for next season would be contested between the two Rome clubs. Sampdoria (48 points), Napoli (47 points), and Fiorentina (46 points) had slim chances of finishing in the top three. However, Napoli and Fiorentina, still competing in the Europa League, had a chance to secure Champions League qualification by winning the tournament.

On the evening of April 15, the Stadio Friuli, with a capacity of over 41,000, was filled to the brim. Since Udinese won the Europa League and Coppa Italia last season and finished in the top three of Serie A, their home games had consistently sold out, setting a Serie A attendance record.

Before the match, Guidolin and Guardiola shook hands, exchanging few words. Guidolin had rotated his squad extensively in the previous Serie A match to conserve energy for this game against Bayern Munich.

Guidolin fielded his strongest lineup. The forward line featured Di Natale and Salah. Despite playing half an hour in the weekend match, Di Natale's form remained unaffected. Salah had also been in good form, and Guidolin was pleased with his recent luck in front of goal.

In midfield, Bruno, Kanté, Widmer, and Guilherme formed a solid quartet. The defense was comprised of Danilo and Maguire as center-backs, with Cancelo at left-back and Piris at right-back. The starting goalkeeper was Karnezis, who had solidified his position as the first-choice keeper, relegating Brkic to the bench. Despite his reduced role, Brkic, 32, had no plans to leave the club where he had spent many years.

Bayern Munich's lineup included Neuer in goal, Rafinha at right-back, Boateng and Dante as center-backs, and Bernat, a young talent signed from Valencia, at left-back. The midfield trio was captain Lahm, Alonso, and Thiago, while the forward line featured Müller, Lewandowski, and Götze.

"Guardiola wants to overwhelm us," Guidolin remarked to his assistant, Portoluzzi, who nodded in agreement.

Bayern's lineup, with a three-forward setup and a midfield featuring Lahm, Alonso, and Thiago, indicated an aggressive approach. Alonso as the sole defensive midfielder suggested a focus on attack at the expense of some defensive solidity.

Guidolin quickly identified Guardiola's strategy: Bayern aimed to dominate Udinese from the outset. "Diego," Guidolin said to his assistant, "we have a better chance of winning this match."

Portoluzzi looked surprised. The match had just begun, and their opponent was the formidable Bayern Munich. Was Guidolin being overconfident?

Meanwhile, on the visitors' bench, Guardiola smiled confidently, telling his assistant Eric ten Hag, "Everything is under control."

Udinese had prepared specific tactical responses to Bayern's possible starting lineup. Seeing Alonso as the lone defensive midfielder, the Udinese players knew their game plan.

According to Guidolin's strategy, Udinese concentrated their attack on Alonso. This wasn't a critique of Alonso's abilities; he was a formidable player. However, in Bayern's lineup, as the sole defensive midfielder, Alonso was identified as the weak point.

After about ten minutes into the match, Guidolin's plan seemed to be working. Udinese, playing at home, attacked Bayern aggressively, focusing their efforts on Alonso. Bayern appeared unprepared for Udinese's proactive and aggressive approach. Alonso struggled under the pressure, and Lahm and Thiago had to assist him, making Bayern's midfield vulnerable and unable to support their forward line effectively.

This was Guardiola's second season in charge of Bayern, and his success had established his authority within the team, built on a series of victories.

These victories had significantly boosted the confidence of both the Bayern squad and Guardiola himself. Guardiola believed that any team daring to go toe-to-toe with Bayern would ultimately suffer a heavy defeat. So, when Udinese attacked aggressively, Guardiola was initially surprised, expecting them to be more defensive. However, he then felt pleased, believing that Udinese's audacity would lead to their downfall.

Despite Udinese's relentless attacks focusing on Alonso, and Bayern's struggles, Guardiola remained unconcerned. He trusted his team to withstand the pressure and retaliate effectively once they regained their footing.

However, Guardiola overlooked a crucial point: he lacked firsthand experience against this Udinese team. This match was his first encounter with Guidolin, and while he had watched Udinese's matches against Schalke 04 and studied other games, it was akin to seeing through a fog. Until faced directly, one could not truly grasp whether Udinese was a soft opponent or a formidable challenge.

To Guardiola's surprise, his Bayern Munich team seemed unable to withstand Udinese's relentless pressure. Alonso, as the lone defensive midfielder, struggled under the concentrated attacks, forcing Lahm and Thiago to aid him. Bayern's midfield was overwhelmed and found themselves constantly defending, unable to support their forwards.

Guidolin watched from the sidelines, his fists clenching and unclenching nervously. The only thing that could ease his tension was a goal.

"Ball intercepted!"

Alonso, under pressure from Guilherme, passed to Thiago, but Widmer anticipated and intercepted the ball. Kanté then won the ball from Lahm and quickly passed to Bruno.

"Well done!" Guidolin applauded from the sidelines as the players executed their pressing strategy perfectly.

Bruno controlled the ball, looked up, and made a decisive pass.

"Bruno's through ball! Salah! Speed! Speed! Speed! Very fast! A cross! Boateng! He clears it... but it's a poor clearance... Di Natale—GOOOOOOOOL!!!"

"GOOOOOOOOL!!!! Antonio Di Natale! He scores! 1-0! Udinese leads Bayern Munich 1-0, and the scorer is Di Natale!"

"The Udinese captain, who recently tied the legendary Nordahl in the Serie A all-time scorers list, has opened the scoring today!"

As the commentators shouted in excitement, the Stadio Friuli erupted in cheers.

Di Natale ran to the corner flag with his arms outstretched, followed by his jubilant Udinese teammates.

 

 


Capítulo 210: Chapter 210: Bayern's Strength

Chapter 210: Bayern's Strength

Udinese took the lead thanks to Di Natale's goal. Guardiola frowned slightly, displeased by the goal. However, he had to admit that Udinese's goal was well-executed. From Guilherme's pressing to Widmer's successful interception, and then Udinese's rapid counterattack, the entire sequence was incredibly fast, leaving Bayern Munich's defense struggling.

Guardiola quickly identified the problem: the attack started from Alonso losing possession under pressure.

"Alonso as the lone defensive midfielder is under a lot of pressure," Ten Hag commented.

"I know," Guardiola nodded. He had anticipated this issue when setting up the formation, knowing Alonso might be targeted by Udinese. Yet, he persisted with this tactic because, for this match, the emphasis was not on defense.

Ten Hag glanced at Guardiola, understanding that they intended to fully engage Udinese in an offensive battle, relying on their attacking prowess.

Despite Alonso's dual capabilities in defense and attack, Udinese's aggressive focus on him had weakened Bayern's defensive structure. Guardiola decided that the team needed to push forward and suppress Udinese's offense with their own attacking power.

However, he didn't expect the second goal against Bayern to come so quickly.

In the 28th minute, Bruno Fernandes delivered a long pass to Guilherme, who charged into the penalty area. Feinting a shot, he fooled the veteran Brazilian defender Rafinha and passed the ball to Di Natale. Shielding the ball from Dante, Di Natale shot on the turn. Neuer blocked the shot with his leg, but Salah was quick to pounce and slotted the rebound into the net.

"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!!"

"Mohamed Salah! 2-0, Udinese leads Bayern Munich by two goals," the local Udinese commentator shouted. "This is madness! Bayern Munich's defense has been breached again, and their attack has yet to make an impact. Götze, Lewandowski, Müller, Lahm, Thiago, Alonso — Bayern's stars are playing like they're in a daze."

The commentator was right. Lacking support from the midfield, Bayern's stars like Götze, Müller, and Lewandowski were struggling to pose any real threat to Udinese's goal.

As Salah, Di Natale, Bruno, and the rest of the Udinese players celebrated the goal, Götze stood with his hands on his hips, staring at the ground. Nearby, Müller spat on the turf in frustration, and Lewandowski shook his head in resignation.

Bayern Munich's attacking trio felt stifled, having to drop deep frequently to get the ball, trying in vain to break through Udinese's disciplined and tough defense with individual skills.

When the first half ended, the score was 2-0. Udinese had dominated the match, except in possession, where Bayern led with 55%. In all other statistics, Udinese had the upper hand. Notably, Udinese had ten shots compared to Bayern's three.

Reporters in the press box were shocked. This was Bayern Munich, the team dominating the Bundesliga, being outplayed by Udinese on their home turf. How was this possible?

"The problem lies with Alonso," BBC's renowned commentator John Motson noted. "The Spanish midfielder has been the focus of Udinese's attacks, putting Bayern's defense under constant pressure and affecting their overall performance."

"It's not just that," Gary Lineker, Motson's co-commentator, added. "Guardiola surely sees this issue, but he hasn't adjusted his tactics. He might be overly confident in Bayern's offensive capabilities, thinking they can outscore Udinese. Clearly, that's not happening."

During the halftime break, Guidolin praised his players but reminded them, "A football match lasts 90 minutes. A 2-0 lead at halftime doesn't guarantee a win. Be prepared for Bayern Munich's counterattack in the second half. Our tactics have worked so far, so let's stick to them."

On the tactics board, he circled Alonso's name, making sure everyone understood the game plan.

"Guardiola knows his team's problem too, so expect adjustments in the second half," Guidolin continued.

He anticipated that Bayern Munich, as a top team, with world-class players, would regroup and come out stronger after the halftime break. Udinese needed to be ready for Bayern's offensive onslaught.

"If Bayern changes their formation, we'll play on the counterattack. We have the right to counter with a 2-0 lead. Stay calm even if Bayern scores; they'll be more desperate than us."

Despite expecting various scenarios from Bayern Munich in the second half, Guidolin was still caught off guard when Bayern scored early.

Before the second half began, Bayern made a substitution: Götze was replaced by Rode. Bayern shifted from a 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2, with Rode partnering Alonso as a double pivot.

Guidolin glanced at Guardiola, surprised by the swift and decisive change.

Rode, a promising German talent known for his stamina and passing, immediately bolstered Bayern's midfield.

In the 49th minute, Alonso delivered a precise pass between Bruno Fernandes and Guilherme. Thiago received the ball at the edge of the penalty area, feinted past Maguire, and accelerated. Nearing Cancelo, he abruptly stopped, shifted direction, and used the brief gap created to curl a shot into the far corner. Karnezis got a hand to it but couldn't keep it out.

"GOOOOOOOOOOOOL!!"

"Thiago! Thiago! Thiago!" the German commentator exclaimed. "1-2! Bayern Munich pulls one back. In a crucial moment, Thiago steps up. Thiago becomes the 11th different player to score for Bayern in the Champions League this season, just one less than Chelsea's 12."

Guidolin gestured in frustration from the sidelines. While he was angry about conceding, he couldn't fault his players for Alonso's brilliant pass.

He realized he had underestimated Alonso's impact. The initial defensive arrangements were insufficient; they needed a special strategy to counter Alonso.

Thiago's goal, though praised, underscored Alonso's pivotal role. With Alonso reasserting control, Bayern came alive, leading to Thiago's goal.

Guidolin adjusted immediately, pulling Guilherme and Widmer back to form a three-man midfield with Kanté, changing Udinese's formation to 4-3-1-2.

Guardiola noticed the change and smiled. "Defensive."

He saw Guidolin's adjustment as a sign of fear, reinforcing defense to protect their lead. However, he believed that against Bayern's relentless attack, merely trying to hold onto a one-goal lead was futile.

Signaling for continued aggressive play, Guardiola told Ten Hag, "The storm is about to begin."

Ten Hag nodded, admiring Guardiola's confidence. Such self-assuredness marked him as a potentially great coach.

Ten minutes later, Alonso sat on the ground as Bayern's medical team attended to him. Guardiola saw the medic signal for a substitution.

"Alonso can't continue," the commentator noted. "Bayern's bad luck continues. Just after pulling a goal back, Alonso is injured and needs to be substituted."

Guardiola quickly instructed Badstuber to warm up.

Guidolin immediately signaled his team to attack. With Bayern temporarily down to ten men, this was an opportunity Udinese had to exploit.


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