Chương 168: Chapter 168: Breaking Out
Chapter 168: Breaking Out
After the second half started, Real Madrid, trailing by one goal, played with more intensity and posed a greater threat on the offensive end. Just four minutes into the half, Real Madrid executed a dangerous attack. Modric made a direct pass through the middle, finding Kroos who, on the left side of the box, curled a brilliant pass with the outside of his right foot.
Benzema, positioned close in the center of the small box, headed the ball into the net, leveling the score for Real Madrid.
This goal ignited Real Madrid's attacking passion further, and they continued to aggressively target Udinese's goal. In the 55th minute, Real Madrid won a corner. James Rodriguez took the corner, Pepe controlled the ball in the melee and poked it to Benzema, who from close range shot it into the goal.
3:2—Real Madrid had turned the game around!
Real Madrid scored two goals within just six minutes, silencing the entire Friuli Stadium.
If the first half was marked by Real Madrid's dominance in play but Bruno's two goals giving Udinese the lead, then the first ten minutes of the second half demonstrated why Real Madrid is called a superclub. With far superior strength, they nearly completely controlled the game, leaving little room for Udinese.
From 2:1 to 2:3, in just a few minutes, Udinese seemed to plummet from heaven to hell. The Udinese players looked dejected and dispirited on the field.
It's not surprising; anyone would feel bitter about losing a lead so quickly. But Bruno knew that team morale could not be allowed to falter. If they gave up now, the second half would be lost.
Taking advantage of the Real Madrid players celebrating their goal, Bruno gathered his teammates to lift their spirits: "Everyone, lift your heads up, now is not the time to feel defeated."
"Bruno's right, the priority is to stabilize our defense," added Captain Di Natale, standing up to motivate the team.
"Real Madrid prefers to send the ball directly into our box in their attacks, as clearly seen in the first half. Their intention is simple—to create better shooting opportunities with players like Ronaldo, Benzema, and Isco who are adept at this."
"We need to tighten our defense, especially in the middle and right in front of our box. N'Golo, Alan, you need to move more."
"Also, in attack, our wingers need to pressure the opponent more. Vidmon and Guilherme need to be more active, pushing their defenders, creating more chances."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"This is a long battle against Real Madrid, one of Europe's strongest teams. We are the underdogs, which means we need to be more united than ever."
"We need to hold our ground—the longer we do, the more chances we'll have."
After the game resumed, Udinese adopted a more resolute defensive strategy. Real Madrid created another opportunity within the next four minutes with a cross from the wing, but Benzema's header went just wide of the far post.
The French striker had many heading opportunities throughout the game; if his heading accuracy were better, Udinese would have faced even more problems.
Real Madrid continued to control the game, frequently creating chances. However, Udinese's compact defense made it difficult for Real Madrid to easily pass the ball into the box.
Leading 3:2, Real Madrid also slowed down their attack.
Udinese, struggling to respond on the field and hit by physical limits, couldn't capitalize on counterattacks.
During this phase, Guidolin made a substitution.
"Udinese is making a substitution. Guidolin is bringing on No. 3 Maguire for No. 27 Vidmon."
"This is a very conservative change. With the team behind, substituting an attacking midfielder for a center back doesn't seem like an aggressive move, but we'll see how this affects Udinese's game plan."
Bruno was somewhat surprised to see the substitution board on the sidelines.
Making such a change at this point in the game?
Maguire coming on could strengthen aerial defense against players like Benzema and Ronaldo. But substituting Vidmon was debatable.
"Bruno, Antonio!" shouted the coach, summoning them to the sidelines during a break.
"We need to keep their forwards in check. After Maguire comes on, we'll play with five defenders, but the full-backs can push forward a bit, especially Cancello on the right, to intensify our attacks."
Bruno lit up at the strategy, understanding the adjustments.
Maguire would stick with Benzema, and with Danilo and Domizzi's mobility, they could even play as full-backs.
As for the midfield, Kanté could drop back, a versatile player capable of adjusting his game as needed.
"Remember, tell Cancello and Pasquale, the wings are theirs to secure!"
After a pat on the back from Guidolin, Bruno and Di Natale nodded to each other and quickly returned to the field.
It was a conservative substitution, but Udinese didn't lose spirit.
As Bruno and Di Natale relayed the coach's intentions back on the field, Udinese's tactics shifted.
Bruno was given more freedom, no longer confined to the middle but roaming wherever there was space.
Di Natale played as a forward pivot at the front, a technically sound player with no real weaknesses.
With an extra defender on the field, the full-backs were somewhat freed up, and midfielders like Alan and Guilherme began to show more vitality.
In reality, Udinese's increased activity on the field also reflected Real Madrid's gradual decline—an often-seen pattern for the team when they feel secure in victory.
In the 77th minute, Udinese launched a quick counterattack.
Cancello drove the ball fast down the right, advancing into Real Madrid's 30-meter zone. Seeing Bruno pulling defenders wide, he immediately cut inside—a perfect understanding between them.
Modric moved to intercept Cancello, who promptly passed the ball to the right wing.
Bruno controlled the ball coolly, with Marcelo not daring to slacken his focus on him.
After passing, Cancello quickly moved to an open spot to support.
Bruno quickly passed the ball back to Cancello and surged forward.
In that instant, Marcelo hesitated, unsure whether to stick with Cancello or Bruno. This moment of indecision allowed him to fall behind Bruno.
Cancello, realizing Modric was blocking him, played the ball down the line.
Bruno and Marcelo raced, but the Brazilian left-back couldn't keep up with Bruno, who easily left him behind.
Bruno caught up with the ball and, with a right-footed arc, sent a precise cross into the box.
Di Natale, at the near post, blocked Carvajal and met the ball with a powerful header.
Casillas, quick to react, managed to block Di Natale's close-range header.
However, the ball didn't go far, and Guilherme, following up, was first to it—beating both Pepe and Varane. He took a forceful shot, sending the ball into the Real Madrid net.
The Brazilian midfielder roared ecstatically, celebrating his first goal for Udinese, remarkably against Real Madrid.
Last year, Guilherme shone in Brazil with Corinthians before moving to La Liga's Granada in the summer—a decoy move, as Udinese had really been the ones interested in him. After Udinese lost several key midfielders like Mahrez and Bastardo this summer, this versatile midfielder quickly secured a starting spot.
Especially in the UEFA Super Cup against Real Madrid, Guilherme assisted twice, drawing attention.
Now, against Real Madrid again, he scored his first goal for Udinese.
Udinese players crowded around Guilherme in celebration.
Bruno also ran over, warmly embracing Guilherme.
This Brazilian, who joined Udinese this summer, seemed to have a knack for performing against top clubs like Real Madrid. In about ten games for Udinese, he had achieved 1 goal and 2 assists—all against Real Madrid.
Perhaps, he was especially motivated against top-tier teams?
(End of Chapter)
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