Soccer: I became Bruno Fernandes.

Chapter 301: The Iron-Blooded Atlético

On the evening of April 5th, at Friuli Stadium, Udinese faced Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Just three days earlier, Udinese had played a tough Serie A match against Napoli. Now, they were up against the formidable Atlético Madrid at home.

The congested schedule had left Udinese exhausted, especially since the team had been playing two matches per week almost continuously. The physical toll was reaching its limit. Coach Guidolin set up the tightest defensive formation possible, opting for a counter-attacking strategy against Atlético's formidable offense.

In this match, Di Natale was rested, and Bruno wore the captain's armband. As the on-field captain and team core, Bruno showed tremendous resilience. He played energetically, actively participating in defense and seizing every opportunity to attack. In the 35th minute, Atlético's defensive midfielder and captain, Gabi, received a yellow card while stopping Bruno's counterattack. If not for Gabi's calmness and decisive foul, it could have been a lethal counter.

Despite this, Udinese found themselves severely outplayed. Atlético Madrid's superior ball control and overall play style made it clear that they were one of the strongest teams in Europe this season.

After a relatively subdued 2014-2015 season, Atlético Madrid had come back stronger this year. With 22 wins, 4 draws, and 5 losses after 31 rounds in La Liga, they were trailing Barcelona by only six points and still in the race for the title. In the Champions League, Atlético had won their group with ease and then ground out a victory against PSV Eindhoven in the Round of 16.

Known for their iron-clad defense, Atlético had conceded just 15 goals in 31 La Liga matches, the second-best in Europe's top leagues, just behind Bayern Munich's 13 goals in 28 matches. In the Champions League, Atlético had conceded only three goals across the group stage and the Round of 16, tying with Real Madrid for the fewest goals conceded.

This team featured stars like Torres and Griezmann up front, and solid players like Gabi, Koke, Juanfran, Godín, and Filipe Luís in defense. Their formidable attack and dominance left Udinese struggling, forced into a defensive posture.

Despite their efforts, Udinese's defense couldn't hold out for more than half an hour.

In the 25th minute, Koke's through ball found Torres, who beat the offside trap after Cancelo's error. Torres shot past Cancelo and Maguire from 14 yards, breaking the deadlock and putting Atlético ahead.

This goal shattered the balance of the match, yet Udinese couldn't afford to push forward. With their defense already strained, attacking recklessly would have been suicidal. Udinese strengthened their defense, waiting for counter-attacking opportunities.

In the 30th minute, Bruno seized another chance, leading a counter-attack and dribbling to the edge of Atlético's penalty area. Facing right-back Juanfran, Bruno deftly sidestepped him. Just as Bruno was about to break into the box, Torres, tracking back, brought him down with a tackle.

For a forward to stop an opponent's breakthrough at their own penalty area highlighted Simeone's defensive discipline. Torres received a yellow card, and Udinese missed an excellent scoring chance. Bruno's direct free-kick went wide, failing to threaten the goal.

Simeone then ordered Atlético to pull back, reinforcing their defense, clearly rattled by Bruno's earlier run.

With Atlético retreating, Udinese ramped up their offensive efforts. Bruno, especially, was highly active. The superstar, considered the best in the world, was almost unstoppable, often eluding Gabi and Koke's joint efforts to contain him.

Torres, forced into another defensive role, committed a foul while Bruno was breaking through, earning his second yellow card. Thus, by the 35th minute, Atlético's forward was sent off.

Any other team might have crumbled facing a ten-man opposition so early, but Simeone's Atlético, renowned for their defense, held onto their 1-0 lead until halftime. Their defensive system remained intact, allowing them to regroup during the break.

In the second half, with only ten men, Atlético Madrid stuck to their counter-attacking strategy. In the 53rd minute, Simeone brought on Augusto for Carrasco to bolster their counter-attack. These counters caused Udinese significant trouble, with even Bruno receiving a yellow card for a defensive foul. This was his third yellow card in the Champions League this season, each for defensive plays, ensuring he would miss the second leg. Unless Udinese reached the semi-finals, Bruno's Champions League campaign would end tonight.

Receiving the yellow card, Bruno didn't argue, knowing it was inevitable. Without the foul, Atlético might have scored. The TV cameras caught Bruno's sad and helpless expression as he walked away. He had given his all, but Udinese's strength had its limits. Determined to secure a lifeline for his team, Bruno continued to push.

"Bruno takes the ball down the left, cutting towards the middle!"

"Atlético defenders closing in..."

"The Portuguese star, skillful on the ball, passes to Immobile, unmarked at the edge of the box..."

"Immobile shoots... curve ball..."

As the Friuli Stadium sighed collectively, Immobile's shot narrowly missed the crossbar. Frustrated, Immobile clutched his hair, realizing the missed opportunity.

"No worries!" Bruno comforted his teammate, patting his head. "Stay ready, I'll get the ball to you again!"

Confident in his abilities, Bruno was determined to help his team score.

Udinese dominated possession, with Atlético Madrid fully retreating and under pressure. The battle near the penalty area was fierce, with Udinese struggling to advance further, and Atlético standing firm.

Several times, Bruno attempted to set up Immobile, but it was in the 60th minute when he made a breakthrough. He sent a through ball past Atlético's defense, with Immobile chasing it down. Just as Immobile was about to reach it, Juanfran slid in, clearing the ball for a corner.

The ensuing corner posed no threat to Atlético, who launched a counter-attack. Cancelo's desperate defense thwarted Griezmann's shot, preventing a second goal.

Saúl took the corner for Atlético, spotting the unmarked Griezmann outside the box. Instead of aiming for the crowded penalty area, Saúl sent the ball towards Griezmann. Despite their tall players, Atlético struggled against Maguire and Vidic, making an outside shot more viable.

Saúl believed in Griezmann's ability to control and shoot, potentially scoring a spectacular goal. However, he didn't account for Bruno, who had been marking Griezmann closely.

As Saúl's ball reached Griezmann, Bruno sprinted out of the box. Griezmann, focused on the ball, planned to chest it and shoot. But as he controlled the ball, Bruno surged in, intercepting it and leaving Griezmann off-balance.

Bruno had anticipated the play perfectly, intercepting Griezmann's touch.

(End of chapter)

Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.

Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/cortez10