Chapter 214: Scoring at Camp Nou

Chapter 214: Scoring at Camp Nou

After these first ten minutes of play, Bruno had to admit that in terms of personal ability and football intelligence, he was still somewhat distant from the peak of Messi, Suárez, and Neymar. Neymar's sharp breakthroughs, Suárez's pressure on Udinese's defense, and Messi's deadly strikes, even when seemingly invisible, were things Bruno found hard to replicate at this stage.

But he wanted to win this match! The desire to win became even stronger after Messi's header.

Barcelona's strong pressure on Udinese left Bruno with few opportunities to shine on the field. Yet, if Messi, who had been almost invisible for the first ten minutes, could score, Bruno believed he could too.

With Guidolin's successive adjustments, Udinese began to stabilize. Kanté took on more responsibility for marking Suárez, allowing Danilo to help with Neymar. This helped solidify Udinese's right-side defense. By containing Barcelona's left flank and with Cancelo restricting Messi on the right, Barcelona couldn't freely maneuver down either wing.

With the defense stabilized, Guidolin pushed the defensive line further forward. Barcelona's defense had already crossed the halfway line, while Udinese's defenders pressed up, flattening both teams' formations and leaving large spaces behind Barcelona's lines. This was the area Guidolin had emphasized for counter-attacks in their pre-match preparation.

Di Natale and Salah were the sharp blades, and Bruno was the one wielding them. In theory, it sounded simple, but executing it on the field was difficult. Barcelona's ball control was excellent, their players were outstanding, and they had the advantage of a formidable home crowd. This left Udinese with few counter-attack opportunities, especially in the first half.

Even with limited chances, coordinating to create threats was challenging. Barcelona, aware of Udinese's tactics, focused on controlling the second ball when they couldn't win the first. Several times, Udinese's counter-attacks reached the front line but faltered at the second pass.

Busquets marked Bruno tightly. Enrique's strategy mirrored Guidolin's approach to Messi: he sacrificed Busquets' organizational role to neutralize Bruno. This was anticipated by Guidolin, who had repeatedly reminded his players that the first half would be dominated by Barcelona's vigorous attacks, especially at home.

As expected, the match unfolded as Guidolin had predicted. The only slip-up was Maguire's error in the 14th minute, leading to the goal. Afterward, Udinese's defense held firm, and although Barcelona had several shooting opportunities, they were either long-range or forced, with no real threat.

Udinese had to pay for this with two yellow cards: one for Kanté, who pushed Suárez from behind, and another for Salah, who fouled Alba in the front.

In the 38th minute, Bruno had a chance in the front but was fouled by Busquets, earning the Barcelona player a yellow card. This left both teams' key defensive midfielders with early bookings.

"Udinese quickly takes the free-kick. Bruno sends it to the near post, Di Natale heads it just over!"

"This was Udinese's most threatening attempt in the first half, created from Bruno's free-kick opportunity, but Di Natale couldn't capitalize."

"Barcelona's goal kick."

As Barcelona took the goal kick, Udinese retreated to their half. Although trailing by a goal, Udinese remained composed and focused, especially after creating a threat.

Udinese, like a shark sensing blood, was ready to strike. Approaching the 40th minute, they maintained solid defense while patiently seeking counter-attacks. Everyone knew that even a 0-1 loss wasn't disastrous since there was a second leg. But Bruno didn't want another loss at Camp Nou.

Soon, Udinese created another opportunity. Kanté received the ball and was quickly surrounded by Barcelona players but managed to pass back to Danilo, who sent a low ball to the front. Di Natale, with his back to the goal, controlled it and pushed it left.

Bruno got to the ball before Busquets and passed back. Guilherme took it and, under pressure, passed to Widmer, who returned it to Kanté. The ball moved swiftly, and when Kanté received it, he faced the attacking direction and saw Bruno.

Almost simultaneously, Bruno made a sudden run, outpacing Busquets and breaking through Barcelona's defense. Kanté's low, fast pass reached Bruno perfectly. Bruno controlled it with his left foot but faced Mascherano closing in. He swiftly flicked the ball over Mascherano's head and sprinted past him, heading into the box.

Mascherano reacted quickly, but Bruno was faster. In a flash, Bruno reached the ball, with Ter Stegen rushing out and Mascherano and Piqué closing in. Bruno, without hesitation, feinted and dodged Ter Stegen, then calmly slotted the ball into the empty net.

"GOAL! Bruno scores after a brilliant move, splitting Barcelona's defense and beating Ter Stegen."

Bruno didn't slow down after scoring. He ran with outstretched arms, celebrating like an airplane, soaring now at Camp Nou as he had at Bernabeu. Overjoyed, Udinese players rushed to celebrate with him, piling onto him at the corner flag.

"This was a crucial goal for Udinese, scored by Bruno in the 44th minute to level the game."

"Bruno's intelligence and execution were superb, starting from his decision to pass back, followed by a sudden run behind the defense, and finally, the composed finish past Ter Stegen."

"Barcelona was caught off guard, and now Udinese has the momentum."

Guidolin was ecstatic on the sidelines. He had prepared for a halftime deficit but was thrilled by Bruno's surprise equalizer.

"Bruno played it so smart!" Guidolin praised. He admired Bruno not just for his speed and skills but also for his intelligent off-the-ball movement and quick thinking.

"Kanté's pass was excellent too," added Portoluzzi.

Despite Maguire's early mistake, Udinese had otherwise defended well, frustrating Barcelona's attacks and pleasing Guidolin with their tactical execution.

As Bruno embraced his teammates, the 95,000-strong crowd at Camp Nou booed loudly, but for Bruno, these boos were a unique pleasure, a special recognition of his achievement.

(End of chapter)