Chapter 425: Score First!
After warming up, the players returned to their respective locker rooms.
As Fellaini entered, he shouted, "How much longer until the game starts? I can't wait!"
"Half an hour, Jesse. Why are you so anxious?" a teammate responded.
"I'm worried that if I wait any longer, I'll cool down again," Fellaini said.
"Then just keep running!" Bruno joked.
Fellaini fell silent, while the rest of the team burst into laughter. Fellaini wasn't known for his stamina; if he ran as much as Bruno, he'd be exhausted by halftime.
Fellaini's antics helped lighten the mood in the locker room.
When all the players were in, it wasn't long before head coach Mourinho and assistant coach Faria entered.
Faria walked in first and said, "Alright, guys. Quiet down, he's here."
He didn't need to specify who "he" was; everyone knew. The music was turned off, conversations ceased, and all eyes turned to the entrance, waiting for Mourinho.
...
Soon, Mourinho walked in, taking his place in the center of the locker room. He surveyed his players. Some met his gaze, others stared at their feet.
The players' emotions seemed steady. Although this was a revenge match, they weren't overly hyped.
This was ideal—they needed motivation without being overly excited.
United was like a wolf in the night, unseen but ready to pounce once the prey let its guard down.
After a brief pause, Mourinho spoke, "Guys, I don't have much to say. I've already told you everything last night. Just remember, we need to score first."
"What if they score first?" Rashford asked.
"If they score first? Then we equalize quickly," Mourinho quipped, lightening the mood before turning serious again. "I can't forget that 2-5 loss to Chelsea. Now is our chance. We've been held to draws in the last two games. Chelsea might think we're out of form, but that's good for us."
"No probing at the start—go straight for their goal! Score first, and we control the game!"
"Remember, the team that scores first has the upper hand, and we have the ability to score first!"
...
As the players took to the field, a light rain continued to fall, with signs it might intensify.
Bruno looked up into the rain, briefly losing focus. He had played in rain many times, both at Udinese and now at United. Rain games were common in Manchester, and Bruno was well-prepared, wearing long studs.
His first rain game at Novara was a nightmare; he had slipped countless times, unable to control the ball. Now, he was no longer that inexperienced player.
Last season's defeat to Chelsea was a personal humiliation for Bruno. Always determined to win, that loss was a significant blow. Despite scoring and assisting in that game, his overall performance was poor, contributing to the defeat.
Today was his chance for redemption. He couldn't tolerate a team beating his team twice in one season—that would be a total failure for him.
"We must score first!" Mourinho's words echoed in Bruno's mind.
He returned to see the referee and Chelsea's captain waiting for the coin toss.
With Rooney, Carrick, Valencia, and Ashley Young absent, Bruno was captain today. Chelsea's captain was Gary Cahill.
Cahill extended his hand, and they shook hands. For now, they weren't enemies. But once the whistle blew, all players in blue would be enemies.
Bruno won the coin toss and chose to kick off. Back with his teammates, he said, "I'll keep it short. We must score first!"
...
"GOOOOOOOOAL!!!" the TV commentator screamed.
Just two minutes into the match, the red-clad United players embraced.
Bruno's long-range shot earned a corner. Mata took it, and Bruno's header found the net.
Chelsea players seemed in disbelief as they found themselves 1-0 down just two minutes in.
United's relentless attack had caught Chelsea off guard.
As United players returned to their positions, Bruno reminded them, "Keep attacking, guys! One goal isn't enough. We need more!"
...
United dominated at Stamford Bridge, pressuring Chelsea heavily. Chelsea, expecting a demoralized United, were caught off guard.
It took Chelsea until the 16th minute to get their first shot. Hazard's attempt was saved by De Gea. A corner followed, with Cahill's shot also saved by De Gea. Costa's header went over the bar.
After this, United resumed their relentless attack.
In the 20th minute, Bruno was fouled but maintained possession, looking for a pass. The referee eventually awarded a free kick.
...
Herrera took the left-sided free kick, with Bruno signaling for a header.
When the referee blew the whistle, Herrera's kick found Bruno, who leapt high. Instead of shooting, he headed the ball towards an open space, appearing to misjudge.
But just as Chelsea's goalkeeper Courtois reached for it, a leg in red intercepted, redirecting the ball into the net.
"GOOOOAL!!" the commentator shouted.
"2-0 to United! Van Dijk scores! Just 20 minutes in, and it's a dream start for United!"
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