Soccer: I became Bruno Fernandes.

Chapter 427: The Ambition for a Grand Slam

After scoring, Bruno was equally excited. He didn't expect his volley to turn into a world-class goal. These types of goals are rare and precious because they are hard to replicate. Knowing how special this goal was made Bruno even more thrilled.

In his excitement, he tore off his jersey, revealing his muscular upper body. Despite the near-zero temperature, he wasn't wearing any thermal underwear like some other players; he had only a long-sleeve jersey on. Now, with his only piece of clothing removed, his well-defined abs were on full display.

"Wow!" Lineker exclaimed, "Bruno is so excited after scoring that he took off his shirt! Haha! He's going to get a yellow card for that, but it's worth it for a goal like that!"

Indeed, it was worth it. Bruno received a yellow card for his celebration, but he didn't care. He put his shirt back on and ran back to his position. While Bruno wasn't bothered, some people were concerned. The Manchester United fans in the stands booed the referee, remembering that this was Bruno's fourth yellow card of the season. One more, and he'd be suspended for a match.

Bruno was too caught up in the moment to think about it. Even if he had, he wouldn't remember how many yellow cards he had accumulated. For him, getting carded was rare, something that might happen once every few months.

...

Just before halftime, Chelsea was severely demoralized by United's uplifting goal. They played the remainder of the half in a daze, barely aware of how they reached the break.

During halftime, Conte furiously berated his team, hoping to spur them into action. At the start of the second half, he made two substitutions, bringing on Fabregas for Willian and Pedro for the underperforming Moses. Moses, who had been impressive this season, was completely outplayed today, as was most of the Chelsea squad.

But just as the second half began, United repeated their first-half feat. In the 46th minute, Bruno took a corner from the left. Courtois came out to intercept, but the Chelsea defense allowed the short Juan Mata to get a header. Mata flicked the ball past Courtois into the net.

It all happened so quickly that Azpilicueta, guarding the near post, didn't react at all.

4-1!

...

"The second half just started, and United got a corner kick. Bruno takes it… and it's in at the near post! Mata scores! GOOOOOOOOOAL!!! United extend their lead to 4-1, just a minute into the second half!"

Juan Mata, standing only 1.70 meters tall, was the shortest player on the pitch. But despite his height, he managed to score, highlighting Chelsea's defensive woes.

"Look at Courtois, shaking his head! He's clearly frustrated with his team's defending. Conte made two substitutions to bolster the attack, but now his team is trailing by three goals!"

"A vengeful United is a frightening sight! Despite being held to two consecutive draws after their League Cup victory, they are making a powerful statement against Chelsea, proving they are back in form!"

"Three years ago, Mourinho sold Mata to United. When Mourinho joined United last summer, many thought Mata would be sidelined. Some even believed Mata was seeking a transfer. But this season, Mata has been outstanding for United! Some joke that Mourinho sent the Premier League MVP to United early so he could utilize him when he took over!"

...

The 4-1 scoreline shattered Chelsea's spirit. With nearly forty-five minutes left, they lost the will to fight. Last season, they humiliated United 5-2 at home. Five months later, in the same stadium, they were being dismantled by United. How quickly fortunes change!

"Before the match, Chelsea fans were talking about a triple victory over United. That's clearly not happening now…" remarked a commentator.

The so-called triple victory meant Chelsea believed they could win both league matches against United and today's FA Cup match, thus achieving a trio of victories over United in a single season.

For the rest of the match, United maintained control, while Chelsea focused on preventing further humiliation. Chelsea fans in the stands fell silent, unable to accept the unfolding reality.

The night was cold, but Chelsea fans' hearts were colder.

...

In the end, the referee only added one minute of injury time and blew the final whistle twenty seconds early. Stamford Bridge felt eerily quiet as home fans had begun leaving early. By the end of the match, there were few Chelsea supporters left in the stands, while the 2,000 traveling United fans stayed, cheering loudly for their team.

The TV broadcast showed a close-up of the scoreboard: Chelsea 1-4 United. Chelsea was soundly defeated.

United players lined up to thank their fans, appreciating their support on this cold, rainy night. Without their cheers, the victory would have been less sweet.

"United! United! United!"

Over 2,000 United fans waved their scarves, filling the stadium with energy, despite the rain.

"If United had beaten Chelsea by this scoreline half a season ago, it would have been the biggest upset of the season. But now, it feels perfectly natural. United is on a roll, and they've started their grueling schedule with a 4-1 bang!" Lineker concluded.

...

With United securing the final FA Cup semifinal spot, the four semifinalists were Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Tottenham. The draw for the semifinals did not produce the anticipated Manchester or North London derbies. Instead, United would face Tottenham at home, while Arsenal would play Manchester City at home.

For United, this was a favorable draw. Out of the remaining three teams, Tottenham was the most preferable opponent, having often been a source of points for United. White Hart Lane was once known as "Three-Point Lane" for United.

In recent seasons, with United's decline, Tottenham had improved their record against United, but overall, they still trailed.

With United reaching the FA Cup semifinals, they remained in contention for a potential "treble" or even a "quadruple." United was considered favorites for the Premier League, Europa League, and FA Cup titles. Having already secured the League Cup, United could become the first English team to win the "domestic treble" of the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup in a single season.

In English football, winning the Premier League and FA Cup in a season is already considered a major achievement, a feat accomplished by only seven teams in over 120 years. These teams are Preston, Villa, Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool, United, and Chelsea.

Of these, United and Arsenal have achieved the domestic double three times each. The other five teams have done it once each.

Notably, United achieved all three of their domestic doubles in the Premier League era, cementing their status as the dominant force in the Premier League.

However, in the fifty-plus years since the League Cup's inception, no team has won the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup in a single season.

If United could achieve this feat, they would create a new chapter in English football history.

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