Soccer: I became Bruno Fernandes.

Chapter 426: Another World-class Goal

After scoring, Van Dijk dashed out of the crowded penalty area and ran to the stands where Manchester United fans were cheering, punching the air in celebration. His teammates quickly surrounded him, forming a jubilant huddle. Bruno jumped up, landing on top of the pile, and joined the fans in celebration with a raised fist.

The United fans in the stands had erupted as soon as the ball hit the net, shouting and cheering, their voices so loud that it seemed to scatter the raindrops in the air, creating a turbulent wave.

"Revenge! Revenge! Revenge!" the fans chanted repeatedly to the players.

The last time these two teams met, United had also scored two goals, but it seemed unlikely that those would be their only goals tonight. In that match, Chelsea had taken an early 2-0 lead. Today, United had matched that within twenty minutes!

It appeared that United's desire for revenge had not become a burden but rather a driving force.

...

Conceding two goals in twenty minutes left Chelsea players with varied expressions—some were confused, some angry, while others hung their heads, their emotions unreadable. Meanwhile, United fans taunted them: "This match is not what you imagined!"

Indeed, this match was different from what Chelsea players had expected; they were completely stunned. It wasn't until the 25th minute that they had another shot, which was weak and easily caught by De Gea.

In the 30th minute, Chelsea finally had a good opportunity. United's defensive line was slightly advanced, and Matic made a through pass. Hazard, breaking the offside trap, charged into the box and was tripped by the onrushing De Gea. The referee immediately awarded a penalty and handed De Gea a yellow card.

"Oh, a penalty! A dramatic turn of events! Chelsea, who had few chances, now have a penalty! If they can score, they'll close the gap to 1-2, just one goal behind!"

...

Hazard took the penalty himself. As he stepped up, nearly 40,000 Chelsea fans sang, ready to celebrate the goal.

Despite being battered in the first twenty minutes, if they scored this penalty, hope would be renewed. Only one goal behind, the game would be back on track.

Hazard aimed down the middle!

"The ball is in! Chelsea have made it 1-2! They see hope again!"

"Hazard! The Chelsea midfield core refuses to be overshadowed by Bruno at Stamford Bridge!"

Chelsea coach Conte leapt with joy as Hazard scored, believing this penalty would be the turning point, boosting Chelsea's morale and leading them to dominate United, just like in their previous encounter.

But just one minute after Chelsea scored, Bruno's powerful long shot forced a spectacular save from Courtois, reminding Chelsea players that the game was still under United's control.

"Bruno's long shot! That was dangerous!" the commentator exclaimed, expecting a goal, but quickly praised Courtois, who managed to tip the ball away with his fingertips, "Beautiful shot by Bruno, and an equally beautiful save by Courtois!"

...

Bruno was disappointed that Courtois had managed to save his shot. But facing one of the best goalkeepers in the world, it was understandable.

Despite conceding a goal, United's morale remained high. They continued their relentless attack on Chelsea's goal, forcing the home team into a defensive stance.

In the 35th minute, Bruno's direct free kick narrowly missed the crossbar, sending another scare through Chelsea.

In the 40th minute, Azpilicueta fouled Bruno while trying to dribble past him, earning a yellow card. The Spanish defender, one of Chelsea's three central defenders, now faced increased pressure for the second half.

In the 41st minute, Chelsea counterattacked, with Hazard's powerful shot missing the target. It was Chelsea's third shot of the half.

Chelsea had been impressive all season, consistently holding second place in the league, just behind United. Their dominant 5-2 victory over United earlier in the season had been a highlight.

Yet today, they were being overwhelmed by United, struggling to stay afloat. Coach Conte was helpless, watching his team being humiliated.

...

Chelsea's momentum from the penalty had dissipated under United's continuous pressure. Their players grew more aggressive and frustrated.

In the 44th minute, Gundogan was fouled by Marcos Alonso while cutting inside, earning United another free kick. Chelsea players, feeling the referees were biased, protested vehemently, resulting in David Luiz receiving a yellow card for dissent.

With two of Chelsea's three central defenders now on yellow cards, the second half promised to be even tougher for them.

...

The free kick, positioned on the right side of the penalty area, was too wide for a direct shot, so Bruno did not take it. Mata took the free kick, aiming to catch Courtois off guard, but his effort hit the wall and bounced back.

Bruno, positioned centrally outside the penalty area, chest-controlled the rebound and, without letting the ball touch the ground, swung his right foot—taking a direct volley!

Mata's free kick was from 22 meters out but was too wide for a direct shot. Bruno, however, was about 30 meters out. The ball had just dropped below knee height when Bruno struck it, sending it rocketing towards the goal.

...

"Bruno's long shot—"

The Chelsea wall had barely disbanded before the ball shot through, leaving no time to react. The ball sliced through the air, past Chelsea's captain Gary Cahill and Matic, who barely reacted.

It entered the crowded penalty area without touching anyone, evading reflexive leg lifts, and sped towards goal. Courtois, seeing the ball too late, could only partially react, his dive half-formed as the ball grazed his arm and soared into the net!

"The ball is in!"

"GOOOOOOOOOAL!!!!"

Commentators worldwide echoed the sentiment.

...

The stadium's screens displayed the goal animation.

"A world-class strike!" BBC commentator Lineker exclaimed, "A long shot from over 30 meters! Bruno blasts through Courtois' defenses!"

"What a beautiful goal! Though certainly not for Courtois…"

"3-1! United restore their two-goal lead! This United team seems invincible!"

"This goal will boost United's morale and crush Chelsea's! Look at their expressions—more resigned than angry!"

"Courtois shakes his head, unprepared for such a sudden shot. Despite his efforts, Bruno's shot was too fast!"

"The speed is in... 107 kilometers per hour! Incredible! This is the fastest shot Bruno has ever made!"

"A super strike!! At over 100 km/h, Courtois couldn't have saved it!"

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